Zodiac Aligned

35

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

A mix of anticipation and excitement raced through my blood as I stepped outside. The sun had just set, painting the endless sky over the ranch in brilliant red and pink, with a swath of dark blue at the top that faded to black. Soon the full moon would rise, but for the first time in days, I wasn't afraid of what that meant.

Now that I was no longer mated and packless, I wouldn't go into heat tonight, but every wolf felt the call of the full moon, and it tended to make us a little wild. The difference was that this time I would embrace it as a free wolf.

I walked toward the fruit trees I'd seen earlier. It wasn't a forest, but it was the closest I could find, and it would provide some cover and privacy tonight. My breath caught and my pulse quickened as I thought about what was coming.

Tonight would change everything.

As the moon breached the horizon, I quickly removed my clothes and set them under one of the trees, before allowing my wolf to run free. The shift was smooth and quick, without even a trace of the Sun Witch spell inside me to slow me down. I shook my white fur out and stretched my paws, before taking off in a sprint.

I dashed between the fruit trees, breathing in scents that were new to me. This place was so different from the forests I knew so well, and though I missed my home, I was excited to explore somewhere new. I put my speed to the test, running as fast as I could, weaving through the foliage. My heart sang with joy, reveling in the feeling that I was finally free.

The moon rose higher in the sky, her soft light shining bright upon me like a blessing. I raised my snout and let out a short howl, singing my praises to Selene. An answering howl sounded behind me, making my ears perk up.

Kaden.

His scent came to me on the breeze and something primal took hold of me, knowing he was coming for me. I began to run, and there was no doubt in my mind that he would follow. Just like I wanted him to.

I raced through the trees, my powerful legs propelling me forward with each bound. Crisp night air whipped through my fur, and the only sounds were my panting and the rustle of fallen leaves beneath my paws. A thrill went through me as I heard a growl behind me, and then I felt Kaden's hot breath on my heels.

You can run, little wolf, his voice said in my mind. But I'll always catch you. And when I do... I'm not letting you go.

I stumbled, shocked to hear him in my head, but then remembered that I was an Ophiuchus again. His words awoke some feral instinct inside of me and I suddenly darted to the left, determined to prolong the game. The black wolf followed, as I knew he would. We were drawn together, a magnetic attraction that was impossible to ignore. My heart pounded faster, fully aware that I would never be able to outrun my alpha. He was getting closer and soon he would catch me...and claim me.

I turned down another row of trees, breathing in the scent of oranges, but then I felt a nip at my tail. It was the only warning I had before Kaden tackled me to the ground. We tumbled in a flurry of fur and teeth, and I growled at the bigger wolf as I managed to break free. But before I could take two steps, Kaden was on me again, pinning me to the ground. I whimpered softly as I submitted to him, though I felt no fear, only intense need and love.

He let out a growl as he nuzzled into my neck. Mate, he said. Mine.

Our eyes met and the mate bond slid into place with an intensity that shocked us both. Suddenly, everything felt more intense, more real, especially the wolf on top of me. I felt my mate's presence inside of me, as if we were one being instead of two. All the pieces of my life suddenly clicked into place, and I saw that every step had been leading me to my true mate. To Kaden.

Mate, I repeated back to him. Mine.

This bond was nothing like the one I'd had with Jordan. That bond had been oppressive and almost painful in its intensity and urgency. This felt like coming home, like smiling at a fond memory, like taking a bite of my favorite food. Like I'd known all along, from the very first moment I'd met Kaden, that we were destined to be together, and now the moment was finally here.

We shifted back at the same time, both naked and in each other's arms, still nuzzling each other, which then turned to soft kisses across each other's skin. The kisses grew more intense as need spread through us, the mating bond begging to be completed in the most primal way. But it didn't force us. It gave us the final choice.

"I always knew it was you," Kaden murmured against my neck. "I knew it the moment we met at the waterfall, even though your wolf was still locked away. I knew it even when you were mated to the son of my enemy. I knew it even when the Sun Witches tried to turn me against you. You are my mate. My alpha female. My destiny."

"I knew it too," I said, as I wrapped my legs around him. "I was just scared to believe it." His c**k was hard and wedged between us, so close to where I needed him, but he didn't move, even though he must have felt the same overwhelming desire to join with me. I could barely think straight. All I wanted was to feel him inside of me, and to have the mate bond sealed.